Qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix was dramatic. While Lewis Hamilton failed to qualify in the top three, Red Bull qualified ahead of the two Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel’s three-place penalty was a completely different one.
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Most surprisingly, Lando Norris secured a front row seat despite all this action. This is the best start for the young Briton, as well as McLaren’s first start since Brazil 2018. It also proves that Mercedes has enough power behind the Woking team to fight for the World Championship this season.
Lando Norris was only 48 thousandths slower than the leader of the drivers’ championship, Max Verstappen. Therefore, it is a statement for Mercedes, who have repeatedly criticized Red Bull for their Honda engine.
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And Red Bull team boss Christian Horner quickly took up Mercedes allegations after qualifying.
View history: Mad Max: Verstappen’s furthest rants on Team Radio
What did Christian Horner say?
“That was very close against McLaren. I mean, this Mercedes engine obviously runs well in the rear of the McLaren because it was extremely fast on the straights, ”he added with a smile. “I’m sure that they will play a role in the race,” said the Red Bull team boss.
Formula 1 F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 20, 2021. Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner at the FIA press conference FIA / Handout about REUTERS.
“Of course we don’t know what the weather will be like, so we have to be prepared to react. But it’s great to have both cars on the grid in front of the Mercedes. That is a great starting position, ”concluded Horner. (Translated with Google translator)
Red Bull is aiming for another victory at the Red Bull Ring
Max Verstappen is currently in the shape of his life. The Dutch secured pole for the Milton Keynes team in a row, helping the team achieve their first pole hat trick since 2013.
Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez, whose problems in FP and qualifying were obvious, managed to secure a strong P3. Since both RB16B qualified before the Silver Arrows, Red Bull wants to further extend its lead in the constructors’ championship.
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Formula 1 F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 3, 2021. Red Bulls Max Verstappen during training REUTERS / Leonhard Foeger.
McLaren’s Lando Norris is wedged between the two Red Bulls and will start the race alongside Verstappen from the front row. The reigning champion Lewis Hamilton starts next to Perez from the second row. Valtteri Bottas, on the other hand, will start from P5 behind Perez.
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Can Red Bull claim another win in their own backyard? Let us know in the comment section below.
The post Horner makes a cheeky blow at Mercedes after Norris’ GP qualifying performance in Austria first appeared on monter-une-startup.
